And it's exactly as it sounds - if your baby is crying in his moses basket or cot during her nap or at bedtime, you pick him up and comfort him until he's sleepy. You then put him back down to sleep.

If he's still fussing or crying, you repeat the cycle until your baby is asleep.

Before you get started with this method – or any sleep training technique – Andrea says:

‘With any kind of sleep training, it’s really good to always start it at the beginning of the night. That’s when your baby has got all the sleep hormones in place and his internal circadian clock is set to send him to sleep.’

Also make sure you’ve ruled out any underlying issues such as reflux or colic that could be affecting your little one’s sleep.

Pick up, put down - who is it suitable for?

This method requires a LOT of patience and, as with all the sleep training techniques, doesn't suit every baby... or parent. Some babies find it overstimulating rather than soothing.

However, it's popular with parents who are keen for more gentle approaches to sleep training than controlled crying for example.

Andrea says:

‘This pick up, put down sleep training method is good for a younger baby who responds to your touch when you pick him up, reassure him and then put back down, particularly if you leave your hand on him.’

Does the pick up, put down method work for older babies?

According to Andrea, this baby sleep technique may not be as effective for older babies and toddlers. She says:

‘For an older baby, when you pick him up it may signal to him that you are going to either take him out of the bedroom or feed him.

'When you then put him down again, he might find it very frustrating that they are not doing what he thought you were doing.’

How to do the 'pick up, put down' method

According to sleep training guidance from the NHS, these are the steps to follow for the pick up, put down technique...

1 If your baby cries when you first put him down, put your hand on his chest gently and reassure him with a 'Shhhh' or key phrase you always use like, ‘It's sleepy time'.

2 If that doesn't soothe him, pick him up and repeat the key phrase.

3 When he stops crying, but is still awake, put him back down in his cot. If he starts crying on the way down, put him in anyway.

4 If he is still crying, pick him up again. Repeat this process until you can see signs that your baby is settling (for example, his cries are getting weaker).

5 When you see this settling behaviour, don’t pick him up anymore. Leave him in his cot, place your hand on him and say your key phrase.

6 Leave the room.

7 If your baby starts crying again, repeat the process as many times as needed until he's asleep.

Pick up, put down: does it work?

The hope is your baby will eventually associate your key phrase or 'shhhh' with going to sleep. But every baby is different so don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work for you.

‘Pick up, put down' method: tips for success

According to the NHS, you should wait until your baby is six months before introducing any sleep training.

Andrea suggests the following top tips for the ‘pick up, put down’ method:

Always try and put your baby to bed when he’s drowsy but not asleep.

Always start at the beginning of the night, rather than introducing the technique when your baby wakes up in the night.

Have a calming bedtime routine and a consistent bedtime.

Be patient: any sleep training technique can take a few weeks to work.

Pick up, put down technique at four-months-old

When your baby is four months, you can slightly adapt the steps as below:

Only hold your baby for a maximum of five minutes. If he doesn't settle in that time, put him down and pick him up again if he is still upset.

In between each pick up, put down, try and soothe him with a 'shush/ pat' in his cot.

If the shush-pat doesn’t work, pick him up again.

Put your little one down the moment he stops crying, starts to settle or once you have held him for a maximum of five minutes.

Pick up, put down technique at five to six-months-old

The process changes slightly as your baby is starting to get older.

Be aware of his sleep cues
From 4-6 months it's important to watch your baby’s sleep cues. If he is arching his back it may be a sign he wants to go back down EVEN if he's still crying.

Try not to reinforce 'I cry, I get picked up'

Holding your baby too long will associate crying with being picked up. You can label what you are doing, by saying 'Let me pick you up' or 'Let me put you down'.

Reduce the time you hold him
When you do pick your baby up, only hold him for a maximum of three minutes then put him down, even if he's still crying. You can then pick him up again and follow the same routine.

How to adapt 'pick up, put down' for your six to eight-month-old

By this age, the technique of pick up, put down becomes more of a partnership. It's important to follow your baby’s pace.

Don't immediately pick your baby up
Instead, offer to hold him and see if he responds. For example, hold your hands out to him and say, 'let me pick you up'. If he reaches for you, pick him up.

Don't rock him
When you pick your baby up, hold him in a cradle position and say your key phrase. Then put him down straight after you've said your key phrase.

Follow your baby's lead
When he starts to settle you can continue to use your key phrase. You can also put your hand gently on his chest or back, but be led by your baby. Some don't like this so watch out for his cues.

How to adapt 'pick up, put down' for your eight to 12-month-old

From this stage your baby will tend to soothe quicker in his cot. As such, unless he's really distressed don't pick him up but instead ...

Place him back down
If he is standing up or pulling himself up, gently place him back down.

Use your voice
Your baby will start to recognise what you are saying, for example, 'It's nap time'.

Look at the 'gradual withdrawal' method
From this age, you may need to combine the pick up, put down method with the gradual withdrawal - or disappearing chair - method.

Have you tried the pick up, put down method? Chat to others in our thread below ...

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